Guiltless goodies at Wilson's Musclelicious Foods

July 22, 2013|By Ryan Kneller

Cipriano and Sharin Pereira of Lopatcong Township began their quest to make the perfect protein pudding 10 years ago. The self-described fitness buffs experimented with countless combinations of ingredients in hopes they could "take a break from the protein shake." The couple was originally only looking to create a product for themselves, but once they nailed it about six years ago, they immediately wanted to share the wealth.

"My passion is fitness," said Cipriano Pereira, who started working out at age 12. "I love helping others look and feel their best. I'm practically in tears when people tell me they've lost 20 or 30 pounds with the help of our products."

The Pereiras, both 46, first began selling the puddings out of their home and the parking lot of their gym, LA Fitness in Wilson. As orders increased, they decided to sell the sugar- and gluten-free treat at Retro Fitness in Palmer Township. After it became the gym's best-selling product within a week, the couple started looking for their own retail location.

"It became too much to deal with in our kitchen at home," Sharin Pereira said. "We were constantly running into each other."

Along with business partners Dave and Lisa Colver, the Pereiras opened Musclelicious Foods at 1704 Washington Blvd. in Wilson on June 15. The space, next to Thuc's Nail Salon, once housed the Birdlady of Easton.

Since the store's opening, MF products have expanded to include more than 15 flavors of protein pudding (vanilla/chocolate swirl is most popular), various types of protein peanut butter balls, protein pudding pies, cakes and cannolis (filled with MF protein pudding). According to the couple, their "healthy bakery" sells out almost daily.

"Our success and the positive feedback we've received are just incredible," said Cipriano Pereira, who refers to loyal customersas MF'ers. "We're now looking to open more locations in the region, with the ultimate goal of becoming a franchise within a few years."

The Pereiras say MF puddings (containing 42 grams of protein per 16 ounce cup) are unrivaled when it comes to their taste, freshness and high quality ingredients, which include meal replacement EAS Myoplex Original packets.

"Unlike companies manufacturing protein puddings in cans with a shelf life of 100 years, we make our puddings fresh on site," Sharin Pereira said. "Our puddings are best consumed within two weeks of purchase, but you won't need that long. For a lot of people, it's gone by the time they get home."

MF products are also available at the following locations: Retro Fitness in Palmer Township; Muscle Maker Grills in Palmer Township and Hanover Township, Lehigh County; LA Fitness gyms in South Whitehall Township and Wilson; The Zoo Health Club in Lehighton; and The Body Shop in Brodheadsville. Info: 610-438-6070 or http://www.muscleliciousfoods.com.